Aluminum Mirror Mount, Flat Mount, 2 Pack

Overview

When you''re tearing through the dunes in a sand rail or navigating tight trails in a Baja Bug, visibility isn''t just a luxuryit''s a safety requirement. The EMPI Aluminum Mirror Mount set is designed specifically for enthusiasts who demand a rock-solid foundation for their multi-panel rearview mirrors. Unlike flimsy plastic or thin stamped steel brackets that vibrate and blur your vision at high speeds, these mounts are precision-machined from high-quality billet aluminum. This ensures that your wide-angle panel mirror stays exactly where you set it, providing a steady, reliable view of what''s happening behind you, whether you''re on the track or the trail. The flat-mount design is the ultimate choice for custom fabricators, allowing for a clean, professional installation on any flat surface or mounting tab integrated into your chassis or roll cage.

At Appletree Automotive, we know that the "one-size-fits-all" approach rarely works for custom air-cooled VW builds. That is why these EMPI 16-8587-0 mounts are such a staple in the off-road community. By providing a flat-bottom interface, these brackets eliminate the guesswork involved in mounting mirrors to non-standard surfaces. They are the perfect companion for the popular 3-panel, 4-panel, or 5-panel "Wink" style mirrors that are ubiquitous in the desert racing and street performance scenes. The polished aluminum finish not only resists corrosion in harsh environments but also adds a high-end, race-ready aesthetic to your interior. When you upgrade to these billet mounts, you are investing in a component that matches the rugged durability of the rest of your Volkswagen drivetrain and suspension.

Fitment

These mirror mounts are considered a universal fit for vehicles utilizing a flat mounting surface or custom-welded tabs. They are most commonly used in the following air-cooled and off-road applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years (Custom applications/Baja Bugs).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Custom interior builds.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: Ideal for custom overhead mounting.
• Volkswagen Thing: Perfect for rugged, open-air visibility.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: Mounts directly to welded tabs on the roll cage.
• Manx-Style Buggies: Fits flat windshield frames or custom dash bars.
• Race Cars: Suitable for any chassis with a flat mounting point for wide-angle mirrors.

Technical Specifications

• Material: High-Grade Billet Aluminum.
• Mounting Style: Flat Mount (Designed for tabs or flat surfaces).
• Finish: Polished Aluminum for superior corrosion resistance and style.
• Quantity: Sold as a 2-Piece Pack (Complete set for one mirror).
• Application: Specifically designed for Multi-Panel/Wink Style mirrors.
• Part Number: 16-8587-0.
• Construction: Precision CNC machined for exact tolerances and vibration reduction.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Shop

1. Use Thread Locker for Off-Road Security

If you are installing these mounts on a vehicle that sees significant vibration, such as a sand rail or a daily-driven Baja Bug, we highly recommend using a medium-strength blue thread-locking compound on your mounting hardware. Billet aluminum is incredibly strong, but the constant harmonics of an air-cooled engine and rough terrain can cause mounting bolts to back out over time. A small drop of thread locker ensures that your mirror stays rigid during the most intense maneuvers, preventing the need for mid-ride adjustments.

2. Optimize Your Sightlines Before Final Bolting

Before you drill your mounting holes into your tabs or roof skin, sit in the driver''s seat and have a partner hold the mirror in place with the EMPI mounts attached. Because these are flat mounts, the vertical height is fixed. You want to ensure that the multi-panel mirror is high enough to not obstruct your forward view through the windshield, yet low enough to provide a clear path of sight through the rear window. In many chopped-top Volkswagens, this "sweet spot" is very narrow, so measuring twice is essential for a professional result.

3. Prevent Electrolysis with Isolation

When mounting these aluminum brackets directly to a steel surface (like a welded tab on a roll cage), it is a smart move to place a very thin rubber gasket or even a layer of electrical tape between the aluminum mount and the steel. This prevents "galvanic corrosion" or electrolysis, which can occur when two dissimilar metals meet, especially in humid or coastal environments. This simple step keeps both your chassis and your beautiful EMPI billet mounts looking like new for years to come.